January 07, 2009

Glasvegas @ Bowery Ballroom: The New King of Scotland

My 2009 concert-going year started off with a wallop. No whimpering, ninny band for me. It's full on Glasvegas glory, gang. It's only seven days into the year and I have a great consideration for Top 5 gig of the year already. I think I'm going to like 2009. Thanks, Obama!

Joking aside, the four Scots return to the U.S. after making a big statement last October by opening for Echo & The Bunnymen at Radio City Music Hall. The buzz machine was already in full swing when they booked Bowery. Next thing you know, they are already adding larger venues and playing Letterman.

It's all warranted. They are an amazing live act. I was satisfied with their debut album and the band itself. Now, I see that they are dynamic on stage, from their waves of sound echoing from the speakers to the airport runway flood lights. They played about 40 minutes and I loved every moment of it, even the awkward five-minute beginning where nothing was happening but roadies running around in a panic.

It boils down to that sweeping, over-the-top, heart-on-your-sleeve rock sound that hits you like a sledgehammer on your soul. It draws it's energy from the James Dean legend, early rock 'n' roll and the working class life of Scotland. Every song has passion at its center and nothing is done delicately. Heck, they're Scottish, do it big or go home. Like the album, the gig started off with the slow building epic, "Flowers And Football Tops" and ended with "Daddy's Gone," a true crowd pleaser that had the audience taking over the chorus. Even a simple song like "Ice Cream Van" takes on some a certain grandeur live. I'm a fan of "It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry" where the lyrics just seem to take on a life of its own.

With one song, I can see the band dynamic. Lead singer James Allan is the strong, sensitive type. He barely speaks between sets, but you can tell he loves performing and playing for a crowd. The guitarists, Rab and Paul, are the guys who get into the show, knocking around on stage and even sneaking smooches to throw each other off. Their drummer Caroline is subject to standing in the back. Somebody give that girl a chair.

I just love this band. They have a sound that recalls bands way past (Del Shannon, Sangri-Las) and recent past (My Bloody Valentine, The Raveonettes) and a recognizable look with a slight pompadour, black jeans and leather jackets. It's not a surprise that they've become so popular on both sides of the pond.

As a side note, if you see them live, bring sunglasses. I'm still seeing spots and I might have a sunburn from the flood lights. It's all good because that light show added a great dramatic effect.

Comments

Their opening slot for Echo was really crappy. One of the worst opening bands I saw in 2008 (only one worst was Growing) (Attend 60 or so shows a year). Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I see nothing redeeming about them.

Wow. Were you at the same show as everyone else? I don't mind this band. I kind of like the disc and I assume their live show will get better over time. But no excuses should be made for those horrendous lights. And to say that this could be a top 5 concert in 2009 tells me that you only intend on seeing 5 concerts all year.

Absolutely HILARIOUS thread you dummies. Starting off with Angela and a bunch of you other dopes thinking that the photographer wrote the review of the show. It is bad enough that BV Dave(the Dave of comment 10:58) writes reviews of shows he does not even attend but to attribute it to the picture taker is priceless.

Not to mention many of the other inane comments having to do with the lights, the complete incorrect references to who this band sounds like, saying Kasabian is a great band haha and finally to the know nothings commenting on the drummer.

Classic you idiots, just classic.

Oh 2 other things

1)Why would any of you refer to anything said buy Music Snobbery. That guy is an even bigger fool then most of you and that is no easy accomplishment. My sister's friends mentally retarded kid brother knows more about music than him.

2)Special kudos to 9:08 for hanging the John Bonham 4:53 poster out to dry. Clyde Stubblefield the funky drummer is pretty much the blueprint for hip hop and the most sampled.. And there have been tons of great rock drummers over the year you dickhead.

Great review! Glasvegas are an amazing band, couldn't agree more with the reviewer.
As for other folks comments, firstly can I say Kasabian isn't anything original, same old same old and I remember seeing them early days at Scotland's music festival and personally I walked away from their set, they have in my opinion only marginally improved. The guy who thought they were crappy at opening for Echo, I reckon you should go again and see them headline then make your judgement.
Glasvegas are in a class of their own. Lyrically James is a genius and most importantly theres not many bands that sound like Glasvegas so they took the chance and formed a new genre that in years to come other bands will quote Glasvegas as their influences.

Hey Elaine....I guess you NEVER heard the Kasabian song "Fast Fuse". That is one of the best songs you will hear over the next five years. It blows everything Glasvegas performed on Tuesday night. Kasabian are heavy hitters. Check it out and educate yourself.

Well .... I was at the Bunnymen show and Glasvegas were one of the best opening acts I've ever seen .... best being James opening for the Smiths backin Dublin in 83 or 84 ?? if I remember .... age is catching up with me ... I love Glasvegas, I loved the performance at the Bowery exscept for those annoying lights .... I did shout out on a number of occasions "turn the F**kin; lights off ..... down side for me was that the band played for less than 45 minutes ... probably less than the annoying opening act